Sasmit Patra Quits as BJD Parliamentary Leader in Rajya Sabha

Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has stepped down as the party’s Parliamentary Leader in the Upper House.

His resignation comes at a time when the BJD is grappling with internal challenges after losing power in Odisha.

Patra’s decision follows his earlier resignation from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT in March 2026, after strongly objecting to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks linking BJD founder Biju Patnaik to the CIA.

Calling the comments “disrespectful,” Patra had led a BJD walkout and demanded an apology.

The timing of his latest resignation coincides with the induction of Dr Santrupt Misra and other newly elected members into the Rajya Sabha, raising questions about the party’s internal dynamics and future strategy.

While the BJD high command has yet to issue an official response, Patra’s exit underscores growing turbulence within the party’s parliamentary ranks.